Shore excursions in Ashdod

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1. Jerusalem & Bethlehem

Jews, Christians, Muslims – they all hold this place dear. Sights here represent each of the faiths. Kicking things off is a fly-by driving tour, passing the Israeli parliament building known as the Knesset, the Museum of Israel and the Shrine of the Book. It’s the best way to see the city sights. Next you’ll drive to the top of the Mount of Olives. Named after its olive tree-planted slopes, this place is thought to be where the dead will be resurrected on Judgement Day. The views from here are epic. From here, you’ll head for the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus went to pray after the Last Supper and was betrayed by his disciple Judas. A visit to the Church of All Nations is also on the itinerary here. It’s followed by an active walk through the old city following the path Jesus took as he carried his cross to Calvary, a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection and a glimpse of the shimmering mosques of Al-Aqsa and The Dome of the Rock. You’ll also stop off at the Western Wall, the place where Orthodox Jews nod in prayer and put prayer notes into the cracks of the wall. Finally, you’ll head to Bethlehem for lunch in a restaurant and to see one of Christianity’s most sacred sights, the Church of the Nativity, built on the same site as the stable where Mary gave birth to Jesus....
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2. Masada & Dead Sea

Kicking off with a drive through the Judean Hills, is the Masada Fortress. Perched on the tip of a titanic rock face, this Jewish shrine was the last stronghold of the zealots back in the days of King Herod. A cable car will carry you to the top where you’ll explore the ancient ruins, taking in Herod’s three-tiered palace, the synagogue and the baths. Spare some time to soak up the view before heading down and being whisked away to the Dead Sea. Located at the lowest spot on earth, its waters are packed with therapeutic salt. You can enjoy a dip or simply lie back. Don’t forget to take a little bit of the magic home with you, snapping up some Dead Sea products on your way....
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3. Tel Aviv Beach & Shopping

Tel Aviv is the lifeblood of Israel. Old and new collide in the nation’s biggest metropolis, which means you get a great feel for the city. One of the major draws is the beach, which you’ll visit on this tour. A sweep of pale sand rinsed by the clear Mediterranean waters, it’s the perfect place to relax for a little while. What’s more, there are beach bars nearby if you want to grab a drink or a snack. From here, you’ll head to Carmel Market, Tel Aviv’s largest fruit and veg market. You’ll find more than your five a day here, though – you can pick up traditional clothes, jewellery and pottery, too. Plus, you’ll find fish, meat and some local specialities. Make sure you try a ‘boreka’, a salty, puff pastry filled with egg, pickles and tomatoes. And don’t miss the Turkish and Japanese food sections, either. Once you’ve snapped up some bargains, you’ll head to Ramat Aviv Mall. This huge shopping centre is brimming with modern shops, cafés and restaurants, so it’s a world away from the traditional marketplace. You’ll have plenty of time here to grab a bite to eat and wander around the glitzy stores, before heading back to the port....
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4. Panoramic Jerusalem

The Western Wall. The Gardens of Gethsemane. Mount of Olives. They’re some of the world’s most famous religious icons and just a drop in the ocean of Jerusalem’s line-up of superstar sights. In fact, there are more things to see here than you can feasibly fit into a day. But you can catch most of them on this guided tour. Kicking things off, you’ll travel from Ashdod to the Mount of Olives, where it’s said the Messiah will resurrect the dead on the day of judgment. It’s Jerusalem’s holiest cemetery and the view from the top is breathtaking, the whole city spreads out below you. From here, you’ll head to the Gardens of Gethsemane, the olive grove where Jesus prayed after the Last Supper and was betrayed by Judas the same night. Next up, is the Western Wall. Also known as the Wailing Wall, it’s the most sacred site in the Jewish world and for centuries Jewish worshipers have gathered here to pray. After a buffet lunch with time to relax, you’ll take a fly-by driving tour of the city. Highlights seen include the Knesset where Israel’s Parliament holds court and the Israel Museum where the world’s oldest-known biblical documents, the Dead Sea Scrolls, are kept. Finally, you'll head to see David's Tomb, the Dormition Church and the room of the Last Supper....
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5. Nazareth & Galilee

Your packed itinerary starts in Nazareth, the capital of Israel’s north district and reputedly the childhood home of Jesus. Here, you’ll pass St Gabriel Church, which is built on a spring known as Mary’s Well. It’s thought to be the spot where the Virgin Mary was visited by Archangel Gabriel. Next, you’ll check out the Basilica of the Annunciation. A modern Catholic Church, it’s an important stop-off for Holy Land pilgrimages - as is the House of Joseph. Leaving Nazareth behind, you’ll head to village of Kana, the site of the wedding miracle. Departing Kana, you’ll stop for lunch in a restaurant and afterwards we’ll drive to Capernaum on the shores of Galilee. The synagogue and the House of St Peter are both on the sightseeing list here. After that, it’s on to the Mountain of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount before heading off to Yardenit on the River Jordan through the city of Tiberias. Once there you can experience the Jordan River Baptismal complex which attracts pilgrims from all around the world....
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6. Over Night Experience

Day one starts with Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Kicking things off is a fly-by driving tour, passing the Israeli parliament building known as the Knesset, the Museum of Israel and the Shrine of the Book. Next you’ll drive to the top of the Mount of Olives. Named after its olive tree-planted slopes, this place is thought to be where the dead will be resurrected on Judgement Day. The views from here are epic. From here, you’ll head for the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus went to pray after the Last Supper and was betrayed by his disciple Judas. A visit to the Church of All Nations is also on the itinerary. It’s followed by: a walk through the old city following the path Jesus took as he carried his cross to Calvary; a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection; and a glimpse of the shimmering mosques of Al-Aqsa and The Dome of the Rock. You’ll also stop off at the Western Wall, the place where Orthodox Jews put prayer notes into the cracks of the wall. Finally, you’ll head to Bethlehem for lunch and to see one of Christianity’s most sacred sights – the Church of the Nativity. Built on the same site as the stable where Mary gave birth to Jesus. Then you’ll head back to the city of Jerusalem to the hotel where you’ll spend the night. After checking in to the hotel, having had dinner and time to relax, there’s an optional tour of the illuminated city of Jerusalem to those of you thirsty for more.

Day two kicks off with a drive through the Judean Hills, you’ll wind down the mountainside to the Dead Sea. Lying at the lowest spot on earth, its waters are packed with therapeutic salt and minerals which find their way into products sold all over the globe. You can enjoy a swim or simply lie back and relax. Don’t forget to take a little bit of the magic home with you, snapping up some Dead Sea products on your way. Continuing on, you’ll drive to the River Jordan at Yardenit to see the place where Jesus was baptized. All this and we even fit some time in for shopping. You'll have a nice break for lunch located close to the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Your next stop will be the city of Nazareth and the Church of the Annunciation, which is built on the site where the Angel Gabriel is said to have visited Mary....
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7. Jerusalem & Dead Sea

It’s not often you get to combine body pampering with one of the world’s holiest sights, but this isn’t an ordinary tour. It starts with a walking tour, exploring the ancient city of Jerusalem. This white, walled city is more than 3,000 years old, and it’s the site of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Your walk through the city echoes the path Jesus took as he carried his cross to Calvary, and includes a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Finally, you’ll stop off at the Western Wall, where Orthodox Jews carefully place prayer notes into the cracks of the wall. Then, ready for the second half of your trip – you'll take a desert drive to the earth’s lowest point – the Dead Sea. After your walking tour of Jerusalem, you’re bound to have an appetite, and you’ll be treated to some Far Eastern specialties at a hotel. After your lunch, it’s time to enjoy the healing properties of the salt rich waters. This area is known all over the globe for its mineral-rich properties. In fact, it’s so saline, it’s actually impossible to sink. You’ll head into the waves for a float, exposing your skin to all the nutrients....
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8. Highlights Of Bethlehem

Journey to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity and see the birthplace of Jesus. A scenic drive takes you to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. Considered to be the oldest, continuously operating Christian church in the world, the Church of the Nativity was originally commissioned in 327 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena. It was built to commemorate the cave that is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. Your guide will lead you through this world-renowned church and explain the history behind it. The highlight of your tour though is a visit to the holy site, the ‘Grotto of the Nativity'. Narrow stairs take you to underground cave under the church, which according to tradition enshrines the birthplace of Jesus. The very spot is marked by a 14-point silver star set into the marble floor. Your return journey takes you via Armon Hanatziv, which overlooks Jerusalem and provides a wonderful photo opportunity....
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